Nanotubes in biological applications

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2014 Aug:28:25-32. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.10.012. Epub 2013 Nov 22.

Abstract

Researchers over the last few years have recognized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as promising materials for a number of biological applications. CNTs are increasingly being explored as potent drug carriers for cancer treatment, for biosensing, and as scaffolds for stem cell culture. Moreover, the integration of CNTs with proteins has led to the development of functional nanocomposites with antimicrobial properties. This review aims at understanding the critical role of CNTs in biological applications with a particular emphasis on more recent studies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Biosensing Techniques
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / toxicity
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Nanotubes, Carbon